New Delhi: The sudden rise in respiratory infection cases in China is reminiscent of the early days of the new coronavirus, which also caused mysterious virus. The new virus has spread to several schools in China, but the government says no new or unusual infections have been detected.
Several cases have been reported in children, with surgeries leading to hospital visits by worried parents, putting pressure on major children’s hospitals. Photos of children being stabbed and bleeding appeared on Chinese social media. Some parents have also called for schools to be temporarily closed to stop the spread of the virus.
When was the first case reported?
On November 13, the Chinese Health Commission reported the first case of measles. Since then, the number of cases has increased, with many people hospitalized.
What happened this week was that the World Health Organization requested more information from China, citing reports from the Program for Surveillance of Infectious Diseases (Pro MED) on the severity of the disease. Pneumonia was not found in children.
Most of the outbreak is believed to have occurred in Beijing, as well as in northeastern Liaoning and other parts of China. Al Jazeera reported last week that “one major Beijing hospital said an average of about 1,200 patients enter its emergency room every day.”
What Are The Symptoms?
Chinese health officials say rising infections are a mix of known viruses and are linked to the country’s first winter since coronavirus restrictions were lifted in December.
Symptoms include fever, swollen lungs without a cough, and pulmonary nodules – lumps in the lungs caused by a previous infection. No deaths have been reported.
At a children’s hospital in Beijing, several parents told AFP on Thursday that their children had mycoplasma pneumonia, a form of childhood pneumonia that is easily treated with antibiotics.
Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a bacterium that causes mild infections with flu-like symptoms. It doesn’t necessarily require hospitalization, but sometimes the cough lasts for weeks, and young children with weakened immune systems are at increased risk of pneumonia.
Will the virus spread to India and other countries?
Unlike COVID-19, mycoplasma is a well-known and widespread virus that causes new outbreaks every year. And other viruses are circulating, especially RSV, which means these winter countries around the world are dealing with pathogens.
India has issued an advisory urging countries to review their arrangements and remain vigilant with health systems. Rajasthan, Karnataka, Gujarat, Uttarakhand, Haryana and Tamil Nadu have asked hospitals and health workers to ensure they are prepared to handle patients suffering from shortness of breath.
How can I stay away from this virus?
The WHO recommended that people in the affected areas follow the normal rules to avoid respiratory illnesses. This includes self-isolating if symptoms develop, as well as getting tested and wearing a mask if necessary.
Based on the current situation, the World Health Organization has recommended some restrictive measures in China.